Quote:
Originally Posted by DJDD
I like the idea of testing a hypothesis based on research, however, since all public policy decisions are just hypotheses when do you see this ever happening in a way that does not result in a government being thrown out because they may have got it wrong?
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That's a very good point. It's especially valid in our current environment of "knee-jerk" policy making (remember the few that used a green laser pointer...)
I think it would be realistic to introduce the change progressively.
For example.
Sa there is a well travelled piece of road, pretty straight, between two major points.
The government in power could introduce a new campain to improve driving skills.
TV ads with professional, responsible drivers like Polce and Ambos, Firemen etc showing that a particular driving program really enhanced their skills and makes them better drivers, especially since they now understand their limitations and dangers better etc..
The gov wishes to introduce a new driving class/rego system based on research from around the world (let the spin doctors do it, they can sell you anything...including increased taxes because the sky is falling...or is it the Ozone layer that has a hole in it ....no wait, its global warming or whatever...
from whatever
Date the Government would sponsor X percentage of the cost of the driving course for X number of people in a particular region.
to enter you cant have been convicted of x, y or z offenses in te past (ie filter out the yahoos).
a bit of a TV campain to explain the new rules, drivers with class X will have priority usage of the lanes (indicated with signs say blue zone ahead or whatever.
You must not use this lane between whatever hours etc...
These drivers will have stringent tests done on the vehicles and be allowed to a max speed of 130 where it was previously 110.
That wont be much of a stretch, how many people have you ever seen do 110 in a 110 zone...
this new system will be reviewed in a few months etc etc...
demonstrate later the analysis of the benefits. Responsible people drive responsibly and dont cause crashes.
expand the program either in coverage (across more places) or in scope (different classes including a new one allowing up to 150 in designated places by people with other class (see my previous post re tier system idea)
I think like many things, when it comes to change management much of it is in the communication strategy utilized.
just a thought
frank